'Ancient Highway' by Bret Lott

Bret Lott's grandfather, Earl Holmes, who was the basis for the character "Earl Holmes" in Lott's novel "Ancient Highway." Photo taken by Lott's grandmother in their apartment on Sunset and Alvarado in Echo Park, as he "practices his poses."

Bret Lott's grandfather, Earl Holmes, who was the basis for the character "Earl Holmes" in Lott's novel "Ancient Highway." Photo taken by Lott's grandmother in their apartment on Sunset and Alvarado in Echo Park, as he "practices his poses." (Courtesy Barbara Lott)

Bret Lott's grandfather, Earl Holmes, who was the basis for the character "Earl Holmes" in Lott's novel "Ancient Highway." Photo taken by Lott's grandmother in their apartment on Sunset and Alvarado in Echo Park, as he "practices his poses."Courtesy Barbara Lott